Desert Messenger

September 16, 2015 www.DesertMessenger.com 17 Traveling with Gypsy Jane by Jane Finley writer * artist * teacher (stretching, exercise, relaxation, meditation) Tybee Island Send-Off Savannah Welcom Savannah, Georgia When I wrote the following in my journal, I ended with: "When a day like this is so good, it's worth writing a story about, and I prob- ably will." So here's that story: The 17 miles from Savannah to Tybee Island seemed longer. Highway 80 passed over bridges, waterways, marshes, and vast wetlands. The main route through Tybee Island boasted the usual vacation rentals but avoided the fast-food chains, T-shirt vendors, and souvenir shops that have landed Key West on the list of America's ugliest tourist destina- tions. It has a small-town feel, and I relished the open space -- water everywhere. I spent three days on Tybee Island. Each morning, I hopped on my bike to see some of the island. The mornings were sunny -- and shorts weather -- still cool before the heat of the day hit. The island is fl at and great for bike riding. One morning after a great break- fast at The Breakfast Club on But- ler Street, I walked a long block to a wooden footbridge that led to the ocean. I'm always curious to see how the ocean and beaches vary in different places. The white sand continued from Key West through St. Augustine, Florida then turned golden, while the waves increased as I moved north. I walked to the end of the long pier and through the large pavilion before biking back to my camper. The tempera- ture was in the 90s -- diffi cult to get through my YMCA aerobics class at 6:00 p.m. Heat in the 90s was forecast for the week; so I planned to go back to Savannah the next morning. It was my last day on the island. Before leaving, I rode my bike to Tybee Treats, a bakery which had been recommended to me yester- day. Everything was baked from scratch by Sue, the owner, who is just as sweet as her pastries. I chose a cheese Danish, still warm from the oven. I was the only one there so early in the morning, and Sue and I had a chance to chat. Later, Sue's friend Tim came in, and we started talking about foreign travel. Tim speaks Span- ish and loves to travel. He offered me his services as a guide when I decide to do foreign travel. As I was getting ready to leave, Sue handed me a paper sack with one of the cinnamon rolls which I admired but weren't in the pastry case when I ordered. "For the road," she said. I was very touched by her thought- ful gesture, and it added to my fond memories of this small town. I got back to Savannah in time for the 10:00 a.m. aerobics class at the YMCA. I happened to be in the exercise room when the Tai Chi class started. I was fi rst attracted to the music and then to the in- structor. She was Korean and had an accent; so I thought she might be the "real thing." The slow move- ments were fascinating to watch, and I will probably stay in town over the weekend so I can attend this class on Monday. I took one session of Tai Chi while living in Seattle and wasn't thrilled with it. That just goes to show that Tai Chi (like yoga) depends on the teacher and the method. I learned this lesson with cities and wrote a story called "Giving Cities a Chance." In essence it said: Don't make up your mind too quickly. I think that ap- plies to many things -- certainly Tai Chi which I now love, and I plan to look into classes as I travel. The day continued to bestow blessings. After class I took a leisurely shower and pampered myself by enjoying the whirlpool spa. There is one in the women's dressing room at the Y; so I didn't have to wear a bathing suit. In my travels, I have experienced many hot springs where bathing suits were optional. YMCAs seldom have whirlpools, and if they do, they are usually co-ed; so it's a real treat to fi nd one exclusive to women. I stopped on my way out to tell the Director what a nice Y this was and to comment on the wonderful Tai Chi class. As I approached my RV, I heard a voice behind me. The Director was running after me, bringing me a YMCA cap "to add to my collection." He had noticed the YMCA T-shirt I was wearing which had been given to me at a YMCA in Canada. As I said in my journal: "When a day like this is so good, it's worth writing a story about;" and I did!. ~*~*~*~*~*~ It was one of those perfect days which occur more frequently in memory than in life. ~P.D. James ~*~*~*~*~*~ Jane's book is WANDERINGS: Living the Ordinary Extraordinari- ly (Stories from the Road). This column consists of stories from her book (email: janefi nley@yahoo. com, website: janefi nley.com). Desert Messenger offers FREE Classifi ed Ads! Here's the small print: Items for sale under $1000. Private Party Only. 1 per month. Yard/Garage/Craft Sales, Wanted, Give-a-ways, Free, Lost & Found, etc. (non-commercial) For more information, contact Rain at 928-916-4235 or Email: Editor@DesertMessenger.com T��� ����� ������� �� D����� M�������� We have great lunch menus, serving at 12 noon sharp! Suggested donation is only $3.50. There's cards, books, games, puzzles, pool table, Wi-Fi available. Community Services, Volunteers Needed! Come join the fun at Quartzsite SENIOR Center 40 Moon Mountain Ave. For more information call 928-927-6496 Senior Center open all year! Monday - Friday, 9am – 3pm DesertMessengerNews

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